Malone takes opportunity to post budget wish list

MEMBER for Mirani Ted Malone knows exactly what the Mackay district needs from the Queensland budget which will be handed down today.

As for what Labor members Tim Mulherin and Jan Jarratt want, that's anyone's guess.

The Member for Mackay Tim Mulherin could not be contacted for his budget wish list yesterday, nor could the Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt.

Mr Malone hoped the state budget, which will be announced this afternoon by Premier Peter Beattie and Treasurer Terry Mackenroth, would include funding for schools and emergency services in Marian and Mirani.

Mr Malone said the development of housing in the Pioneer Valley meant there could be up to 500 more children in the area within three years.

''There is also no ambulance station in the Pioneer Valley, the only one is in Finch Hatton.''

Mr Malone also hoped the budget would include funds for the upgrading of the Peak Downs Highway and a heavy vehicle bypass around Walkerston.

Other issues Mr Malone felt needed addressing included water infrastructure, and funding for small community funding programs.

Mr Mackenroth, who will be in the Whitsundays later this month, believed today's budget would be the ''best in Queensland's history''.